Tesla wait
I heard that there’s a waiting list, backed by a hefty deposit, for the Tesla Model 3? Who does that? Put money down on a car they haven’t seen or driven?
Early adopters who want to be part of what they regard as the “in crowd” and who couldn’t afford the Model S ($70,000 and up) and Model X ($85,000 up to well over $100,000 with optional trim and stuff ), that’s who!
Also, in fairness, included in that wait-list group are a few folks who believe in the notion of electric and want an electric vehicle but have resisted due to the short-ish range most others offer (the Model 3 goes 220 miles or 310 miles, depending on which version you choose — the one that costs about $35,000 and up or the one that costs about $44,000 and up).
About 500,000 people had put down the $1,000 required deposit by September for a car that most won’t see until well into next year.
What are you hearing about the new Kia Niro? I love the price, and although it isn’t the snazziest looking car ever, it’s not really very bad. But I don’t want to waste my time if in these early months it’s been discovered it’s a dog.
Reviewers like it a lot. I’ve been watching feedback since last January, when USA Today raved about the small hybrid SUV.
Since then, others have been quite positive, including Car and Driver, which gave it a 4 out of 5 stars; Edmunds.com, which gave it a 4.4 out of 5; and U.S. News & World Report, which gave it a 7.8 out of 10.
Most make reference to its affordability (about $23,000 base); nimble handling; fuel thriftiness (52 mpg in the city and 49 on the highway); the sleekly styled interior (which many think looks European); and some even have positive things to say about the exterior that you find less than impressive.
The major complaints are that the cargo space is limited and there are not as many safety features as you often see on today’s cars.
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.